The Silver LiningMeet Claire – Ruck Rover General Store
Posted on April 7, 2014
Ruck Rover General Store has always been one of my places to go to find that perfect vintage-inspired sundress, or a unique present for your friend’s new bub (a bib with a Peter Pan collar – so hot right now!), or a great dude-gift amongst their ever-changing supply of funky t-shirts and socks. They moved from their premises in Mount Lawley two years ago and things just keep getting bigger and better! Now so perfectly situated on the corner of William and Francis Streets in Northbridge, it’s neighbours with a few of our favourites such as Outre Gallery and Little Willys.
We had the chance to be a little bit nosy and chat to Claire, the brain and big friendly smile behind Ruck Rover.
Hey hey hey! Thanks for having us! I’ve been a big fan of you guys ever since your Mount Lawley days! I’d love to start off by listening to your “where-it-all-began” story…
Ruck Rover is the brainchild of mine and my sister, Isabelle. I’d describe our decision to start up the store as a part brave and part self-indulgent! I was in my mid-20s when we decided we’d seize the day and follow our hearts. We managed to make what started off as, “Wouldn’t it be cool if…” conversations into something real. Goodness me, our little shop is now seven and a half years old!
It’s good fun running Ruck Rover with Isabelle. She’s got a couple of kids now so she’s not in the shop as much anymore but she’s still so important in all the decision-making and choosing stock for the store. You can often find her here on a Saturday, though. We mostly have very similar taste and vision, which works well when we need to bounce ideas off somebody else.
What are your favourite things in store at the moment?
We always aim to stock items from small, independent designers from around Australia and abroad too. At the moment, I can’t resist our dresses from Totem and Emily & Fin. We also have a huge place in our hearts for our pretty beaded necklaces by I Wish I Had A Little Shop. (See Sarah wear hers here!) These always sell out quick when we get them in store.
For the guys, we always have a massive selection of exclusive t-shirts and we’re looking to collaborate with more local artists in the near future for new designs! We still have a few left of this amazing t-shirt by Creepy aka the incredibly talented Kyle Hughes-Odgers
What do you do with yourself when you’re not running the store? Do you have other hidden superpowers?
In the early years of running the store, I also completed a double degree in Law and English at UWA. (Multitalented much? Sarah turns green…)
As you may know, I also run We Love Perth, an independent website that uncovers and highlights the best-ofs of our lovely city, Perth. It’s completely not for profit, heaps of work, but so so rewarding.
I also do a bit of freelance writing on the side for in-flight magazines. That’s always a real buzz.
We had heaps of fun chatting to Claire, learning about Ruck Rover’s beginnings and how little dreams can become roaring successes. Afterwards, I had a bit of spare time to nip around the store to ogle the range of vintage-inspired dresses and pick up some Lazy Oafs birthday cards (the kind that say, “Even though you’re old I still care”). Be sure to visit Ruck Rover! Make a special trip to Northbridge or walk on by after buying your special roast pork from Good Fortune Duck (I know I do!).
Thanks, Claire, for having us!
Ruck Rover General Store / 242 William St (corner Francis St), Northbridge / Open 7 days a week / Online shop / Facebook
***There’s an exclusive online discount code for our readers! Hop over to Ruck Rover’s online store and shop your little hearts out! Enter code “SILVERLINING” at the checkout for a sweet 20% off through 30th April 2014.
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Meet Jelena – Mr Sparrow
Posted on March 12, 2014
A few weeks ago we went and paid a visit to Jelena, the owner and keen-eyed curator of Mr Sparrow. Mr Sparrow is conveniently located in Subiaco and is one of my absolute go-to stores for many, many reasons. It simply, practically and beautifully always has the answer to my present-buying woes! Overflowing with irresistible gift ideas for the home and garden, I never leave this place empty-handed. *danger danger!* It was so great to meet Jelena after a long and unrequited Instagram love affair…
Hello hello! Yes, I’m completely obsessed by your shop and stalk you on almost every form of social media known to mankind. *awkward smile* What’s the story behind Mr Sparrow?
I’ve always wanted to own a shop of my own, filled with beautiful things that I love. I was looking for a way to do something creatively inclined whilst doing my GP training in 2012, when the opportunity to own Mr Sparrow came up! The previous owner of Mr Sparrow was looking to move over east, and I leapt at the chance to do something different, and fulfil my dreams of wanting to own my own shop! Plus it was a bonus that I already owned half of the pieces in the shop myself, being a long time supporter of Mr Sparrow when it was under Anna’s ownership. It was really daunting at first and many thoughts of uncertainty went through my mind like, “We’re new, will people like us?”, “Will anyone come to our shop?”. But I bit the bullet at the end of 2012 and have had a lot of fun growing this store since!
We renovated the store in October 2013 which breathed new life into this little place. It’s been a blast!
Where do you source your collection of goods from?
I source things from all over the world – places include Japan, Finland, the United States and, of course, Australia! I keep my eye out for unique pieces that no one else in Perth stocks, and am particularly excited by the chance to collaborate with creatives to come up with exclusive Mr-Sparrow-only products! For example, my Bridget Bodenham x Mr Sparrow ceramic planters – I just love them!
And what inspires you?
I’m generally inspired by my travels, near and far, always looking out for beautiful products along the way. I’m also a big fan of Instagram! One of the biggest challenges in owning a store is continually finding fresh, new things and in the right balance.
So you own a shop AND you’re training in General Practice. How do you balance both sides of your work life? I’m envious!
It isn’t always easy balancing the medical side with the business/creative one, however I’m loving the balance of these two at the moment. I’m currently taking a break from General Practice training to focus on the business – and to be honest, I’m loving the day to day of running the business. I’m also keeping myself busy studying a Masters of Public Health, and doing some other work as well. (Sarah almost falls over at this point – she barely remembers to brush her teeth before rushing out the door to work each day!). But Mr Sparrow most definitely still has a firm and very special place in my life! Life as a doctor very easily becomes all-encompassing so it’s super important to me to maintain a balance.
We talked on for more than an hour, mostly about life and how to do it best. It was a fantastic chance for myself and Jinn to meet a fellow medic who had successfully burst out of the “doctor stereotype”, and fulfilled and expressed her other more creative side, something I personally find very difficult to do at times. Jelena is a great encouragement and role model to us both, with her big heart, clear vision, lateral thinking and, of course, superb taste.
Make sure you pop by to see Jelena or visit her online store! Be sure to check out my favourites – Bridget Bodenham ceramics, Emily Green necklaces, Kip & Co bedding, and jewellery by the WA Fashion award winner, Alister Yiap.
Mr Sparrow / Shop 3, 223 Bagot Rd, Subiaco / Online store / Facebook / info@mrsparrow.com.au
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Shake it off
Posted on March 3, 2014
Wearing – Comptoir des Cotonniers dress (similar), Senso shoes, Pigeonhole hat
A trip to Margaret River was just what the doctor ordered. Pure sunshine on my face and a healthy breeze whipping through my hair. Sometimes we just need times of solace, to introspect, to heal and tend to our own hearts. This is a simple outfit, a few of my favourite things, fuss-free and comfortable.
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Marina Bay
Posted on February 14, 2014
Wearing – Cameo top, Marcs shorts (similar), Senso sandals (in black), Naomi Murrell earrings and bracelet, Le Specs sunglasses, Clover backpack
This outfit is pretty atypical for me. I mean, if you hadn’t already noticed, I’ve pretty much launched myself headfirst into the latest 90s fashion revival and embraced crop tops, denim denim denim, and little flippy dresses with daisies printed on them. Soon, I’ll be getting one of those hats a la Blossom.
This look started with the shoes. I went into Zomp looking for black flatform sandals but came out with these killer Senso ones. I mean, a silver heel? Who wouldn’t!?!? But they just stuck out of my existing wardrobe like a sore thumb. Interestingly, all the other components of this outfit are also complete impulse buys that are out of keeping with my usual aesthetic, but somehow they match each other perfectly! This look may grown on me yet.
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Featured on ONA blog
Posted on February 8, 2014
Come check out our feature on the ONA blog! We were absolutely thrilled to be approached by ONA as we are already super mega fans of their amazing camera bags. The article showcases some of our all-time favourite photos and a bit about us and our little blog.
To find out more about their products, head over to their site and be sure to watch our review about the lovely Palma bag I’m carrying.
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Push th’ little daisies
Posted on January 20, 2014
Wearing – Topshop dress, The Horse shoes, Robert Marc sunglasses (similar), vintage handbag
You guys remember that song, right? Well, okay, if you’re a child of my generation growing up in Australia and you can actually remember what people dressed like in the 90s, you too would have been plagued by the psychedelic, positively deranged chorus of this song. If you need a refresher, are less than 20 years old or would like to do some insane karaoke sing-along, watch the music video here. If you’re too impatient to wait until the song finally reaches its insane-in-the-membrane peak, click along to 1:50 and dance along (read: bizarre hand-flapping movements and willy nilly throwing of one’s self onto the grass).
P.S. Fun fact: This song was voted 40th in Triple J’s Annual Hottest 100 music poll in 1993. Say whaaaat?
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Palma bag by ONA – a review
Posted on January 15, 2014
The Palma by ONA Bags is one of the sexiest camera bags around. Perfect for serious bloggers, photographers or anyone who wants to look good whilst still being able to carry the goods.
Most camera bags look exactly like that – camera bags. Utilitarian and unstylish. This bag is the complete opposite.
Amazing craftsmanship, gorgeous leather and texture cleverly house a fully-padded interior with room enough for a full-frame DSLR and up to two extra lenses. On top of that, you’ll find space for your handbag essentials, such as your phone, wallet and keys plus a lippie and a hairbrush. Yes, this is actually Mary Poppins’ bag! The design also includes a slim front pocket, which is where I choose to slip my phone, but an iPad mini or notebook could probably fit here. You’ll find if your wallet is large (like me) there will only be room for one extra lens but a more streamline wallet would easily fix that issue.
Agreed, it can get a little heavy if you really pack it full of stuff, but ONA have thought of that too! The shoulder strap has an added piece that is slightly padded and broader than the rest of the strap, preventing that horrible “digging in” phenomenon. Plus, for ease of use and as an alternative if your shoulder gets sore, there’s also a nifty and uber cute handle located on the top of the bag.
At $319, it’s not the cheapest bag on the market, but you certainly get what you pay for. And as an investment item, you can’t go wrong. The quality of the Palma will ensure it will last for years to come and its classy appearance will make it a constantly stylish companion by your side, whatever your look.
Check out the video below to see the Palma in action.
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Minty
Posted on January 3, 2014
Wearing – Rachel Gilbert dress, Kate Spade shoes, J.Crew earrings, Butter London “Muggins” nailpolish
These lovely photos were taken up in the Dandenong Ranges of Victoria, the beautiful setting of a very good friend’s wedding. We snuck out whilst waiting for the bride to arrive to do a little prancing around the gorgeous greenery! The wedding was attended by all my besties from school, and one of them so kindly pointed out that this dress was reminiscent of our old school summer uniform! (See what you think here) I laughed when she said so as I did see the similarities, but I’d like to think my style has evolved a just a little since then! Certainly the untied hair “beyond the collar” and earrings that break the “plain studs” rule are a slight improvement!
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The ‘ville
Posted on December 9, 2013
Wearing – American Apparel top, Sparkle & Fade skirt (similar), Clover backpack from Harry & Gretel, New Kid shoes via Modcloth, Robert Marc sunglasses (similar), Naomi Murrell resin and rose gold ring, Lazy Oaf cat ring (in gold)
American Apparel does some of the greatest basics. This top is perfectly cropped and fitted, perfect for a whole bunch of my high-waisted bottoms and right on midriff-baring trend (for when I finally find my six-pack). But anyhow, this outfit took me perfectly from day to slightly chilly night as we wandered through the stalls at the Light Up Leederville carnival. Read more about our favourite street festival here!
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Spotted
Posted on November 26, 2013
Wearing – Karen Walker boat pant and sunglasses (in black), Gorman top, Funkis clogs, Freckle & co necklace, Naomi Murrell white resin and rose gold ring, Alister Yiap hexagon ring and bangle, vintage handbag
As awesome as these sunnies are, I sadly don’t get to wear them all that often! I suppose they are a little OTT for work, and since I work 71.4% of the week that only leaves me 28.6% of my week left to flaunt them! I finished work a tad bit early last Wednesday arvo and was clearly a bit bored whilst waiting for Jinn to get home, hence the raiding of the wardrobe which led to this outfit post. We only ended up moseying down the road to grab burgers but hey…a girl’s gotta have a bit of fun sometimes, no?
The Silver Lining 